Torrance Sexual Abuse Lawyer
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- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
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Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on survivors, impacting their physical and emotional well-being. In California, reported incidences of sexual harassment are 5 percent higher for women and 10 percent higher for men than the national average, according to a joint study conducted by the Center for Gender Equity and Health (GEH) at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.
Survivors of sexual abuse often face significant challenges in seeking justice and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. At Feher Law, we understand the courage it takes for victims to come forward and seek justice after experiencing such trauma. We are dedicated to providing compassionate support and legal advocacy to survivors of sexual abuse in Los Angeles County.
If you or someone you love has been a victim in Torrance, California, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Our team is here to provide you with the skilled legal representation you need to seek justice and reclaim your power.
Why Choose Us for Sexual Abuse Litigation in Torrance
When seeking legal representation for, selecting the right law firm is paramount. At Feher Law, we stand out for the following reasons:
Proven Track Record of Success
We have a proven track record of handling sexual harassment cases, as demonstrated by our landmark victories. In Whipple vs. U.S. Metro, we achieved a significant $2,700,000 verdict in Van Nuys. This case exposed the appalling negligence of U.S. Metro Group, who knowingly permitted a janitorial manager to access work sites late at night, leading to the assault of a minor. Our success in this case not only delivered justice for the victim but also ensured accountability for the perpetrators’ reprehensible actions.
Litigation and Trial Experience
As seasoned litigators, we handle every aspect of your case, from filing to trial. Our extensive experience makes us fully prepared to represent you in court if necessary, ensuring that you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.
Compassionate Approach
We recognize the emotional and physical toll injuries can have on individuals and their families. Our Torrance personal injury lawyers provide empathetic guidance and support throughout the legal process, prioritizing your well-being and seeking to alleviate your burdens during this challenging time.
Premier Legal Representation
As a leading personal injury firm, we offer unparalleled expertise and personalized attention to all victims. When you choose us, you select a dedicated team committed to advocating for your rights and securing compensation.
CASE RESULTS
RESULTS FROM OUR MOST RECENT CASES
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Sexual Abuse Attorneys
We are deeply committed to providing exceptional legal services, especially in sexual harassment matters. Our team not only possesses extensive expertise but also demonstrates genuine empathy and an unwavering dedication to fighting for the rights of individuals affected by sexual harassment.
Equipped with a thorough understanding of sexual harassment laws, we ensure that each case receives the utmost attention and expert guidance, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Below, you’ll find testimonials from clients who entrusted us with their cases and experienced the difference our world-class legal representation can make.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our expertise covers incidents involving minors to those affecting adults in various settings, such as workplaces, educational institutions, public spaces, and private domains.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Minors: Often, these acts are perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust, making the legal process even more complex and emotionally challenging.
- Assault: Encompasses non-consensual sexual acts committed against individuals of any age. These cases require sensitive handling and careful legal strategy to ensure the rights and well-being of survivors are protected throughout the legal process.
- Sexual Harassment: Particularly prevalent in workplaces and educational institutions. Unwelcome advances, comments, or behavior create a hostile environment for victims, and our team is dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for those affected.
- Institutional Abuse: In institutions such as schools, workplaces, and religious organizations, power dynamics can enable exploitation and abuse, making skilled legal representation essential to navigate the complexities of these cases.
Please be rest assured that we understand the sensitivity of these cases and approach them with the utmost care and professionalism.
Relevant Laws in California
One significant law in California addressing sexual harassment is the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). FEHA prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace and applies to employers with five or more employees. It defines sexual harassment as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment.
In addition, California Penal Code sections 261 through 269 encompass various offenses related to sexual abuse and assault. For example, Penal Code section 261 defines rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished by force, fear, or threats. Other sections address crimes such as sexual battery, statutory rape, and lewd acts with a minor.
The legal consequences for perpetrators in California can be severe. Depending on the specific offense, penalties may include imprisonment, fines, registration as a sex offender, and civil liability for damages. Moreover, victims have the right to pursue civil remedies, such as compensation for damages, through the civil court system.
Your Legal Rights as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
As a survivor of sexual molestation or abuse in California, you possess legal rights designed to safeguard your well-being and facilitate your pursuit of justice:
- Right to Report: You can report the abuse to law enforcement authorities, initiating a criminal investigation and potentially leading to charges against the perpetrator.
- Right to Pursue Criminal Charges: If the abuse constitutes a crime under California law, you can pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator, resulting in legal consequences such as imprisonment and fines.
- Right to Seek Civil Remedies: You can seek civil remedies through a lawsuit against the perpetrator or other responsible parties to obtain compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
- Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Your privacy and confidentiality are protected throughout the legal process, ensuring that your identity and personal information remain confidential.
- Right to Support Services: You have access to support services such as counseling and legal assistance, which can aid in coping with the trauma of abuse and navigating the legal system.
Our law office is dedicated to advocating for the rights of abuse survivors and providing sympathetic legal representation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to support you throughout your journey toward justice.
If you’re a victim and need assistance understanding your legal rights, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a confidential and free consultation.
Compensation Available for Victims
Here are the three categories of damages that may be awarded:
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensate you for intangible losses, such as mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (the inability to enjoy a normal marital relationship).
- Economic Damages: Includes expenses such as medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and any property damage resulting from the incident.
- Punitive Damages: Designed to punish the perpetrator for their reprehensible behavior and to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
The Legal Process
Here’s an overview of what to expect when getting help from our law firm’s sexual assault attorneys in Torrance:
- Initial Meeting: You meet with their assigned sexual abuse lawyer to discuss their options and share their stories. The attorney assesses the case’s viability and provides guidance.
- Investigation: We thoroughly investigate and gather evidence, like witness statements and medical records, to support the your claim.
- Filing a Claim: Once enough evidence is gathered, we file a formal complaint or lawsuit on your behalf, initiating the legal process.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case, including written interrogatories and witness depositions.
- Negotiation: Parties attempt to negotiate a settlement before trial, with us advocating for fair compensation and accountability.
- Trial: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented to a judge and jury.
- Verdict and Appeal: After the trial, a verdict is delivered. If dissatisfied, either party may choose to appeal the decision.
Throughout the legal process, we will provide support, guidance, and advocacy, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of obtaining justice.
Immediate Actions to Take After the Incident
Taking immediate action is crucial to ensure safety and preserve evidence:
- Ensure Safety: If the abuse is ongoing or poses an immediate threat, prioritize your safety by removing yourself from the situation and seeking help from authorities or trusted individuals.
- Seek Medical Care: Even with no visible injuries, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. A healthcare professional can assess any physical injuries, provide necessary treatment, and collect evidence for documentation.
- Preserve Evidence, such as clothing or objects, without washing or tampering with them. Take photos of any visible injuries or damage and write down details of the incident while they are fresh in your memory.
- Report the Abuse: Consider reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or child protective services, especially if the perpetrator poses a danger to others.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Seek legal consultation from a qualified Torrance sex abuse attorney, who can guide you in your rights and options. Early legal intervention can protect your interests and ensure the preservation of evidence for potential legal action.
By taking these immediate actions, victims can prioritize their safety, access necessary medical care, and lay the groundwork for seeking justice and accountability against perpetrators.
Evidence Needed in Sexual Abuse Cases
Gathering evidence is crucial for supporting your claims and establishing the perpetrator’s liability. Here’s an overview of the types of evidence needed and practical steps to collect them:
- Medical Documentation: Immediate medical evaluation post-abuse captures physical injuries or trauma, as indispensable proof. This includes detailed medical reports, photographs of visible injuries, and results from forensic examinations.
- Witness Statements: Accounts from individuals who either witnessed the abuse or possess information about it can significantly bolster a case. Encouraging victims to gather statements from such witnesses provides additional perspectives on the incident.
- Victim Testimony: The heart of any claim lies in your own words—detailing what happened when, where, and under what circumstances. It’s vital to document this testimony right at its core comprehensively.
- Physical Evidence: Items connected to the abuse event (like clothing or bedding) might carry DNA or other traces linking back to the perpetrator. Preserving these items without alteration is crucial for maintaining their evidentiary value.
- Electronic Evidence: In today’s digital age, electronic communications (texts, emails), social media interactions, and digital photos can play a critical role, especially in cases involving online harassment or exploitation.
- Documentation of Emotional Distress: The psychological aftermath often manifests through emotional distress—a facet that personal journals documenting one’s mental state post-abuse can vividly capture.
- Expert Testimony: Specialists such as medical professionals or forensic psychologists may be called upon to lend their expertise—be it corroborating physical findings consistent with abuse allegations or elucidating on psychological impacts endured.
By gathering comprehensive evidence, you can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions. It is essential to work with lawyers who can guide you through the evidence-collection process and advocate on their behalf to pursue justice.
Timelines for Filing Sexual Abuse Cases in Torrance
Sexual abuse cases require awareness of critical deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. In California, these time frames dictate how long a victim has to initiate legal action following an incident.
For events occurring after the victim turns 18, there is a window to file a claim within either ten years from the date of assault or three years from when the victim first becomes aware that injuries sustained were directly related to the assault. This rule applies uniformly for incidents on or after January 1, 2019.
Laws evolve, and exceptions may apply under certain circumstances. Thus, it is essential for victims seeking justice or compensation to consult with a knowledgeable attorney promptly. Doing so ensures adherence to these timelines and helps preserve your rights throughout this complex process.
How Are the Legal Fees Handled?
It’s a given that financial concerns should not prevent survivors from seeking justice. That’s why we offer contingency fee arrangements for our legal services. With a contingency fee, our clients do not pay any fees upfront.
In other words, we only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement for you. You won’t owe us a penny if the case is unsuccessful. This ensures that our legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Our Promise of Confidentiality and Privacy
Our personal injury attorneys in Torrance understand the importance of confidentiality and privacy for victims. Our firm is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment or exposure.
Here’s how we commit to your privacy:
- Adherence to strict confidentiality protocols throughout the legal process.
- Limited access to confidential documents to ensure privacy.
- Maintenance of secure communication channels for client interactions.
- Implementation of robust data protection measures against unauthorized disclosure.
Our attorneys prioritize our clients’ privacy and take proactive measures to maintain their confidentiality throughout their interactions with our firm. We respect our clients’ right to control the dissemination of their personal information and will only disclose details of their case with their explicit consent or as required by law.
Where Else You Can Find Feher Law Support
Although our foundation lies in Torrance, the scope of our team’s expertise and services reaches well beyond. We are committed to providing exceptional legal support across various locations, ensuring that wherever you require professional advice for your legal dilemmas, our best California sexual assault lawyers will be by your side.
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Reach Out Today for a Confidential & FREE Consultation
The complexity of sexual harassment lies in its multifaceted impact on the victim; it undermines their sense of safety and dignity while often creating a hostile or intimidating atmosphere. Victims must understand that they can speak out against such behavior without fear of retaliation or judgment.
In your pursuit of justice and a resolution to the challenges you face, remember that you are not alone.
We are ready to lend our expertise and support through these trying times. Contact us today at (866) 646-6676 for a free consultation and to speak with our attorneys in Torrance.
Services We Offer
When it comes to your recovery and peace of mind, it’s vital to have an expert by your side that really understands the bigger picture of employment law. Explore the full range of services we offer below.
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Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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